Top 20 New Hampshire Events for 2012

MAY 12-13: DEERFIELD,Sheep & Wool Festival. Alpacas, llamas, and sheep, oh my! And don’t forget the Border collies. Held at Deerfield Fairgrounds this year, you’ll be able to watch the action at the sheepdog trials and the best-in-show competition. Also enjoy exhibits and demonstrations of weaving, spinning, and shearing, and take in informative sessions on caring for the animals. nhswga.com

MAY 8, 18, 23: PORTSMOUTH,Writers on a New England Stage. Three dates in May, each devoted to a single author at The Music Hall. First up is Erik Larson, discussing his best-selling account of life in prewar Nazi Germany, In the Garden of Beasts. Next is celebrated novelist Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code and four other riveting thrillers, who will discuss writing, moviemaking, science, religion, and more. Then, Pulitzer Prize winner Anna Quindlen visits to discuss her candid and funny memoir, Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake. 603-436-2400; themusichall.org

MAY 18-20: CENTER HARBOR,30th Winni Fishing Derby. Competitive anglers from all across the country will gather at Lake Winnipesaukee for a chance to claim bragging rights and a shot at the more than $50,000 in cash and prizes to be awarded. 603-848-3474; winniderby.com

MAY 19: PETERBOROUGH,Children & the Arts Festival. The downtown streets are closed to vehicles but bustling with activity, including a “Giant Puppet Parade,” music, dancing, art walk, food, and fun for all ages. childrenandthearts.org

MAY 27: JACKSON,Wildquack Duck River Festival. Put your money on one of 3,500 rubber ducks floating downriver in a race to the finish line; plus a kids’ duck parade, silent auction, baked-goods sale, pony rides, “Cake Boss” competition, obstacle course, and other activities, all at Jackson Village Park. 603-383-9356; jacksonnh.com

JUNE 2: PORTSMOUTH, Our Old House Festival. On the grounds of the historic Moffatt-Ladd House, they’ll be celebrating the museum’s 100th year. Workshops, demonstrations, and presentations throughout the home and garden will cover a range of topics on conservation and restoration, plus kids’ activities and more. 603-430-7968; moffattladd.org

JUNE 2-3: MOUNT WASHINGTON VALLEY,Spring Inn to Inn Herb Tour. Savor the glories of spring in the White Mountains by visiting 10 of the area’s premier inns to learn about fresh herbs and their uses, history, and versatility, all while enjoying a delicious sample recipe prepared from each inn’s garden. 603-356-9025; countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com

JUNE 3: BERLIN, Cultural/Heritage Festival. A full day to enjoy the culturally influenced foods prepared by local chefs at Northern Forest Heritage Park: tasty representations from the U.S. and Canada, Norway, Russia, and more. Plus artisans, entertainment, a farmers’ market, and boat tours. 603-752-7202; northernforestheritage.org

No comments yet.

We reserve the right to remove or edit comments that are offensive or disrespectful to our readers and/or writers, cannot be verified, lack clarity, or contain profanity. Your comments may be republished by Yankee Magazine across multiple platforms.